Principal's Report

2020 – The Year that Was!

It is difficult to sum up and reflect upon this school year within one short newsletter piece. I am struggling to find the words to define, summarise and review this year. 2020 was a year that presented us all with our own set of unique challenges, as we adapted to a changing world caused by COVID-19.

The first closure of schools back in March prevented us from spending time with friends, families and colleagues. It was a time that students and staff experienced an exponential rate of learning as we transferred to the online classroom. It was as though the odds were stacked against. However, thanks to the attitude of students, the support of families, and the professionalism and care of staff, we were able to enjoy some highs and precious moments.

If COVID taught me anything, it highlighted even further the value of school; the importance of being alongside your schoolmates and your teachers, to learn and to laugh together.

The wonderful energy with students back at school is palpable; long may it continue.

Thank you for your understanding, adaptability, care, feedback and support of each other and of the school.

Year 6 Graduation

Next week, we look forward to Year 6 celebrating their primary school graduation with families. We closely monitored restrictions to find out what would be possible, and were delighted when it was confirmed that graduation ceremonies could proceed with families in attendance. It is sure to be an evening to remember, as we celebrate on our school grounds.

We are very proud of our Year 6 cohort, we thank them for their contributions to FPS and wish them nothing but the best as they move on to high school. We thank departing families for their time and contributions to the school – you are all welcome back to FPS at any time.

2021 Staffing

As announced in previous newsletters, next year we will be running 25 straight year level grades – one more than this year. Here are next year’s teacher placements:

Staffing Updates

Congratulations

As you may be aware, Faye Soderstrom (Year 1/2 teacher) is pregnant. Congratulations to Faye and Arnie on this wonderful news. Before Faye goes on family leave during term two, she will be supporting students at our school as part of the Department’s Tutor Learning Initiative. Information regarding this program will be communicated next year.

Farewell Nanaki Bhatti & Jim Wilson

Nanaki will be leaving FPS at the end of this year, after making the decision to consider and explore broader options. Nanaki has been at the school since 2017 – we thank her for her contributions to the school and wish her well for the future.

We also say farewell to Jim Wilson who has taught 6B one day a week and supported onsite supervision during school closure. We wish Jim all the best as he moves back to New South Wales.

Welcome to new and returning staff

Next year we look forward to welcoming back Ginger Moyle and Kelly Haywood from family leave. We also welcome Emilia McDonald, Anna Moore and Nicole Quah to FPS. Emilia will be teaching Year 1, Anna Year 5 and Nicole will teach Year 6 one day a week, to enable Daniel Arnavas to perform his Numeracy Learning Specialist role. Alice Lambert will join the administration team, working at the Wingrove St Campus.

2021 Community Leaders & Specialist Leaders

Last Wednesday, 40 of our Year 5 students presented speeches in the Old Hall as they nominated to be School Leaders or Specialist Leaders. Congratulations to everyone for speaking so confidently and clearly to an audience of 120. You should all be proud.

After hearing all of the speeches, Year 4 and 5 students cast their vote. Congratulations to the following students for being selected.

Wingrove St Campus (WSC)

The Wingrove St Campus (WSC) is getting ever-closer to completion. It is still on track for next year’s Year 5 and 6 students to move in at the start of 2021. Last week I met with the students to show them the design of the building and to answer their questions.

We are continuing to work through the day-to-day use and access of the building, which will be communicated before the start of term one.

Langridge St Campus (LSC)

The phrase ‘Langridge St Campus’ (LSC) will become more commonly used next year, as we get used to having two sites. During the term four holidays, the following works will be taking place on LSC:

• Demolition of Foundation building.
• Landscaping of where the Foundation building is currently located.
• Upgrade of shelter shed.
• Construction of new toilet block (opposite existing toilet block, off the Old Hall).

Please note that there is no access to the school grounds, Monday 4 – Friday 8 January, due to asbestos removal. OSHClub will run at Alphington PS for that week.

Landscaping works will be in progress around the current Foundation area at the start of the year, therefore there will be no access to this space in term one. We will communicate how this affects drop-off and pick-up points before the start of term one.

End of Year Assembly

Next Friday at 9:30am, we will hold our whole school end of year assembly. This is only our second assembly of the year – the last one being our welcome assembly at the start of the year. Due to Department of Education and Training COVID restrictions, we are unable to have parents attend, however we plan to live stream the event. Stay tuned to Compass for details.

Holidays

A reminder that we have 1pm dismissal next Friday 18 December. We will see our students back for their first day of school on Friday 29 January 2021.

Wishing everybody a fun-filled and enjoyable holiday period. You deserve it!

~ Paul Wallace, Principal